SIR HOWARD VINCENTTo ask the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the United States of America find no difficulty, despite the higher pay and greater prospects of civil life therein compared to Great Britain, in obtaining annually 100,000 white candidates, between twenty-one and thirty-five years of age, from which to select 30,000 recruits, at 1s. 9d. per diem pay, for their regular army, and that this is attributable to the clear conditions of military service placed before the public; and if he will consider the desirability, with like object in view, of simplifying the various rates of pay in His Majesty's Service and making it clear to every youth thinking of adopting the, Army as a profession what salaries it offers in the various grades, arms, and climates, clear of all stoppages and deductions for messing, clothing, equipment, sickness, or hair-cutting.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Arnold-Forster.) The conditions prevailing in the United States are somewhat different from those which exist in this country; but I am in full agreement with my hon. friend in thinking that it is most desirable to simplify the various rates of pay, and to make the terms and conditions of service perfectly clear to all young men who wish to join the Army. The matter is now under the consideration of the Army Council, and I am most anxious to give effect to the views of the 889 hon. Member. The terms and conditions of service are now so advantageous that it is very important they should be fully understood.